The Easybeats: Volume 3 CD Track Listing

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The Easybeats Volume 3 (1966)
Originally Released 1966\nRepertoire CD Edition Released 1992\n2nd Repertoire CD Edition Released November 14, 2002\n''Complete Easybeats'' compilation Released February 19, 2004\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: (''Complete Easybeats'') The Complete Easybeats from the Australian-based Albert Productions -- the company to which the Easybeats were originally signed -- is what it says, all of the group's authorized masters and all but a tiny handful of known outtakes, from their first Australian Parlophone sides to their last post-"Friday on My Mind" follow-ups, assembled on six CDs in a slipcase. Each of the discs is identical in title, packaging, and song content to the individual Repertoire Records reissues of the group's catalog from the early '90s, and what's more, so far as this writer can tell, the discs use the same early-'90s masters that were the sources for the Repertoire CDs. Fortunately, those were of such high quality to begin with that they were still up to modern standards circa 2004; unfortunately, as most serious fans (at whom this release is obviously aimed) are likely to already own at least two or three of the six CDs in this box in their Repertoire editions, it is not as attractive a box as it might otherwise be -- the producers should have gone for 24-bit remastering on at least the original Australian LP material, which is exclusive to this and the Repertoire CDs. As it is, however, if all one owns is one of the ubiquitous best-of compilations on the band, then this is still a box to seriously consider -- the group's 1964-1966 Merseybeat-influenced sides from the first three discs have a special charm and energy all their own, while the Friday on My Mind and Shame Just Drained discs present the full range of their peak years; only the Vigil disc, covering the final phase of their history, is of dubious value. With a U.S. list price that breaks down to around seven and a half dollars a disc, this is a lot cheaper than the Repertoire discs ever went for, and is a handy way to get the group's entire history in one fell swoop. There will still be a few things to own, such as the Raven Records live disc and a DVD or two, but this set takes care of about 98 percent of everything of note the band ever did of note. -- Bruce Eder\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: The hardest Easybeats album to find (now available on CD) contains some of their rarest material, never issued outside of Australia. It's actually not worth making a special effort for unless you're a big fan of the group. Like their first two Australia-only LPs, it's accomplished guitar pop/rock with a heavy British Invasion influence, but not outstanding. The best songs ("Sorry," "Funny Feelin'") have been reissued on Easybeats anthologies. -- Richie Unterberger\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nAustralia's Number One Group at Their Peak, January 27, 2001\nReviewer: Randall E. Adams (Los Angeles, CA United States)\nAlong with "Good Friday" (aka "Friday on My Mind"), Easybeats Vol. 3 is the most consistent of their albums. It brings together all of the very best in 1966-era rock: loud, eclectic and full of attitude. The Easybeats were rushed by their fans in every public appearance and this set explains why. "Sorry" is a full-on 1966 classic. The same goes for "Funny Feelin'" and "Goin' Out of My Mind." The additional tracks are not the ones I would have selected to couple with this particular album, as they either come from the period of their next album "Good Friday" or from their fantastic first demos recorded prior to their first album. Nonetheless, they are great tracks. And, yes, the liner notes are useless.\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nDiscover the Easybeats, July 13, 2000\nReviewer: Nathan Post (Chicago, IL USA)\nLike the Zombies, the Easybeats are a band that every fan of great pop music should discover. They are often unfairly lumped in the one-hit wonder category, but their output clearly shows that this was a band of depth and talent. "Sorry" is one of the most blissful moments of rock-n-roll ever recorded with it's pounding beat, driving guitars and near-perfect vocal delivery. Other standouts include "Say You Want Me," "Saturday Night" and "Goin' Out Of My Mind." This import series could be enhanced with better liner notes and track information, but the music on this shiny drink coaster more than makes up for it. Go git it!\n\nHalf.com N/A\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW: (''Complete Easybeats'')\nA "Complete" waste of an opportunity to be definitive, March 10, 2004\nReviewer: Charles Phelps (McKinney, TX United States)\n\nThe Band and the Music:\nFormed in Australia (by immigrant British and Dutch musicians), the Easybeats unfortunately didn't begin making and releasing records outside of Australia until late 1966, after the first wave of the British beat boom had crested and right before the summer of love. Thus, they missed out on the international exposure that slews of lesser bands were able to have. "Friday On My Mind" (recorded in England by Shel Talmy) was their first international hit in 1967. However, their next major recordings didn't come out until 1968 and by then, it was too late.\n\nAlmost all their recorded output is original songs (primarily Wright/Young at the beginning then Vanda/Young as time progressed). The songs are catchy, hook-laden, sometimes grungy, sometimes beautiful pop/rock music with memorable melodies, harmonies, and guitar riffs. I am not saying that they were the equivalent of the Beatles by any means but most of the music in consistently listenable and enjoyable. There are a few clunkers along the way I admit, but the good definitely outweighs the not-so-good. \n\nFor the music, I easily give 5 stars!!\n\nRepertoire CDs\n\nIn the early 90's, Germany's Repertoire Records reissued all 7 Easybeats albums (Easy, It's 2 Easy, Volume 3, Friday On My Mind, Vigil, Friends, and The Shame Just Drained) on CD.\n\nThe Pros:\n\n1. Each CD had the cover art from both the front and back (with liner notes) of the LPs.\n2. Each CD also contained a slew of bonus tracks covering every non-LP single and EP track, alternate take, alternate version, alternate mix, outtake, demo, Coke jingle, etc that the group recorded.\n3. Each CD has a discography and a write-up on the Easybeats rarities included in the reissues.\n4. Their entire recorded output is here (except for the Live -- Studio and Stage compilation)\n\nThe Cons:\n\n1. The CD liner notes were somewhat skimpy and were repeated for all the CDs.\n2. The bonus tracks are not always chronologically relevant to their placement on CD. For example: outtakes from the first recording session appear on the third CD instead of the first, an alternate mix of Friday On My Mind appears on CD rather than on the "Friday" CD and so on.\n3. The master tapes used are definitely not first generation, with a lot of tracks having tape hiss, low fidelity, and in some cases electronically re-processed stereo. Although the sound is a marked improvement over Albert's Absolute Anthology CD's which sound sourced from bad vinyl\n\nThis "Complete" collection:\n\nI assume that Repertoire's rights to the Easybeats has expired. Albert, who owns the material, issues The Complete Easybeats. I am thinking "Great!". Perhaps now, better master tapes will be used and the bonus tracks can be inserted with regard to chronological sequencing. Also, better liner notes, a full discography, etc.\n\nWhat do we get?\n\nA straight reissue of 6 of the 7 Repertoire CDs. The Friends CD is missing. The LP back cover art (with photos and liner notes) is missing. The discography information is missing. The rarities information is less detailed. \n\nThe same master tapes are used. The same liner notes are used although they are now included as a little booklet inserted in the box. No pictures, no additional information, no remastering.\n\nInstead of being truly complete, we get less than what Repertoire already gave us. \n\nIf you don't care about the packaging and just want the music, pick this up. It is a decent price. But, you will still need to track down a copy of the Repertoire Friends CD if you want the "complete" collection. Or, just hunt down all the Repertoire releases. The Easybeats' legacy deserves better treatment than what they got. And until Albert gives them a little respect and puts some effort into the packaging of the music, I suppose they will remain little more than a footnote to the British Invasion.\n\nIt is a shame really.
This rock cd contains 24 tracks and runs 58min 52sec.
Freedb: 530dca18
Buy: from Amazon.com

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